Cunard’s 2017 Europe program is set to hit the right note with holidaymakers, with new special event cruise itineraries offering everything from operatic arias in the home of Romeo and Juliet to carols at the famous Bruges Christmas markets.

From seven-night transatlantic crossings to 21-night sojourns in the waters of the Mediterranean, the program, launched this week, encompasses 161 sailings on Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth visiting 93 destinations in 32 countries.

Included in the offering are four new ports for the fleet – Souda Bay (for tours to Chania) in Greece; Sibenik in Croatia; Brindisi in Italy and Praia da Vitoria in Portugal.

The new ports will feature in Queen Victoria’s popular Mediterranean itineraries, which depart from Rome, Venice, Athens or Barcelona between July and November. A favourite with Australians, the cruises offer a relaxed way to travel through the region, with 29 destinations on offer on itineraries ranging from seven to 21 nights. Fares start from $1649* per person double occupancy for a seven-night voyage from Venice to Athens, departing July 8, 2017.

Meanwhile, Queen Mary 2 will offer her popular transatlantic crossings, making 22 sailings of seven or eight nights between Southampton and New York from May to December. Offering guests the only true ocean liner experience, a seven-night transatlantic voyage on Queen Mary 2 is priced from just $1449* per person double occupancy for a May 15, 2017 departure.

As part of the cruise line’s new special events itineraries, Queen Mary 2’s eight-night transatlantic voyage departing Southampton on September 14, 2017 will include a visit to Le Havre to coincide with the city’s 500th anniversary, with guests set to enjoy a spectacular welcome and send off by locals including fireworks, historical costumes and music.

Opera lovers will also be able to indulge their passion on three special Queen Victoria Mediterranean cruises timed to coincide with the Arena di Verona Opera Festival. Departing July 1 and 15, 2017 and August 12, 2017, each cruise will feature an overnight stay in Venice enabling guests to travel to Verona for the festival.

The magic of Europe’s celebrated Christmas markets will be the focus of two December short cruises on Queen Elizabeth, departing Southampton on December 8, 2017 and Queen Victoria, departing Southampton on December 12, 2017. Queen Victoria’s five-night cruise to the Christmas markets in Bruges, Amsterdam and Cherbourg will also celebrate the liner’s 10th anniversary. Fares on Queen Elizabeth’s short cruise start from $539* per person double occupancy, while fares on Queen Victoria’s short cruise start from $899* per person double occupancy.

Also on the schedule is a memorable cruise to Kiel on Queen Elizabeth to coincide with Kiel Week, the largest annual sailing event in the world. Fares on the 14-night roundtrip cruise from Southampton, departing June 10, 2017, start from $2929* per person double occupancy.